First game of the year and with the passing of Ted Helsby to Dr Mathatir's care, the young and newly fathered Martin Lever stepped into the gulf at No3. Martin is a changed man - he actually said well batted to some bastard who made 50 as he walked off the field - I remember when the kindest word Martin ever issued started with f - just shows how life changes with parenthood, and after all the offspring is a little girl so he will have to watch his 'p's and 'f's.
Lost the toss, natch - even Grocer advised batting first but that was on account of his generally feeling unwell and the prospect of a sleep before fielding rather than any summation of the ground, conditions and players.
Beefy started hitting big while Damien Green mistimed 9 out of 10 shots, the 10th cruising to the boundary - Crusaders raced away to 59 off 9. Even astute field placing is not enough to stop the ball going over the rope on the full. The outfield was rocket fast and with most of the CCC lads resembling tortoises, there were plenty of boundaries, in fact 5 6s and 33 4s.
Jet Lee broke through in the 10th over but it was to be a long time between drinks.
Weatherman took 2 wickets - one being D Green for 100 after Herschell Lee had dropped him on 57 and Lever grassed a difficult chance for a paraplegic on 44.
Crusaders made 253 off their 35, but as I said the outfield was fast.
The wicket which seemed very easy while we bowled suddenly became a nightmare. Balls reared, spun square, popped, skidded, came straight through onto the stumps, got the edge of the bat and did all kinds of weird things. The Berger weathered the storm and batted until his body cried out enough (a little later than usual on this occasion) in the mid 30s. Eamos, knicked a ball to BrewBags who, although surprised, didn't drop it.
Leaves, the great white hope, pushed and prodded for 20 and then from there on, it was pure boredom, with the only interest being the Doc being dismissed playing an incredibly appalling shot.
CCC 6 for 136 ourselves - what you are asking - why not the 150 and extra batting point - why not 175 and maximum batting points - yes, and so were Grocer and I asking the same perceptive questions.
Alice had got out the red ink - she recognized the signs.
Well that is it - the highlight of the game was the introduction of the Tommy Sherrin in the twilight with some of the most spectacular marks you are ever likely to see on a cricket pitch. A few light ales were had by the boys who take defeat in the same vein as victory - the constant practice that I have had over the years with CCC demands it. Nothing has changed Alfie.
Despite the fact that I thought I had been cut-off for ever after a little termination dispute with those lovely netvigator people, I find that your wonderful match reports can find their way to Malaysia via this webmail thing (note alternative e-mail address - well if you want to?)
Great to hear news, albeit bad, and pleased that Mr.Lever has returned to the fold to 'poke it around a bit' - well if that's what he's been doing.
Just to rub salt into the wounds - the web page is knackered - Jet!!
The web site and photos are very good and the comments quite funny - I thought you did well to catch Farcy bowling to Eames as he didn't stay there for long.
